2-832-526 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

A pair of black satin close-toed shoes with stiletto heels and an ankle strap that is sewn in a cross at the back of the ankle and closes at the exterior of the ankle with a metal buckle. The insoles and the interior of the toes and straps are made from cream colored leather. The bottoms of the shoes are made of wood painted black. Gold type on the insole of each shoe reads "CHARLES JOURDAN / PARIS / MADE IN FRANCE". Mae Reeves (1912-2016) was a pioneering African-American milliner who was famous for her custom-made hats. Her business, Mae's Millinery Shop in downtown Philadelphia, was one of the first shops in the city to be owned by a woman of African American heritage.